Board Game; Mitchell Robinson Makes New York Knicks Rebounding History vs. Charlotte Hornets

Mitchell Robinson joined the elite rebounders of New York Knicks history by pulling down 14 against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.

With his 240-lb. frame listed at seven feet, Mitchell Robinson is going to stand out in a crowd. He's doing so for reasons beyond his build in the packed paint history of the New York Knicks.

Saturday night's 122-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets saw Robinson join elite metropolitan rebounding company: with 11 offensive rebounds, the seventh-year now has 1,116 in his New York career, passing both Bill Cartwright and Kurt Thomas to place third on the all-time Knicks list. Only Charles Oakley (2,580) and Patrick Ewing (2,568) have earned more second chances in a Knicks uniform.

"I'm surprised it took him so long, the way he's been rebounding," starting point guard Jalen Brunson said in the aftermath (h/t New York Basketball on X). "He’s been an animal. I can’t explain it. You just got to go out there and watch it. (He's) nothing short of spectacular.”

Additionally, Robinson became the second Knicks next to Oakley to earn at least 11 offensive boards on three different occasions. He and Oakley share the single-game record with 14, with Robinson making his mark last April in the regular season finale against Indiana.

Saturday's history was part of a night that saw Robinson earn 14 rebounds as the Knicks (8-5) handled business against the reeling Hornets to win their sixth over the last seven. 

Robinson pulls in one of his 14 rebounds from Saturday's win in Charlotte / USA TODAY SPORTS

In an era of constant comings and goings, the 25-year-old Robinson is the longest-tenured Knick. There was always a sense of general consistency about him but he has taken things to a whole new level in 2023-24: his defensive efforts have been the headliner of a smothering New York cause that's allowing less than 105 points a game (the only NBA team to do so entering this week) and the second chances he has created helped stabilize a stagnant offense in the early going. 

One could argue that he has, in fact, been the Knicks' MVP in the early going, something head coach Tom Thibodeau hinted upon in his own postgame statements from Saturday.

"He really had a great year last year and people didn't recognize how well he played. I think this year he's gone to another level," Thibodeau noted in video from the Knicks. "The growth has been great. He's critical to our team. His teammates have a great appreciation, coaches, the organization, for all the little things that he does to help the team succeed."

Mitchell Robinson Breaks a Lasting Knicks Curse

"Oftentimes it's not reflected; we see the offensive rebounding, what we don't see is the pick-and-roll defense, rim protection, multiple-effort plays, the communication, and the extra possessions are huge. It makes us well-balanced."

Robinson and the Knicks wrap up a five-game road trip on Monday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves (8 p.m. ET, MSG).